“Magic is something exceptional in our world. It goes beyond simple comprehension, and it’s a challenging endeavor to merely try and explain it without boggling the mind. For simplicity’s sake, I’ve always said it’s a sort of cosmic glue that holds all of reality together. There’s nothing wrong with that statement, in fact it’s probably the easiest way for someone to understand what magic is. But there’s more to it than that.”
“Well, to be honest, I don’t really care to know much about it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure it’s a fascinating topic and whatnot, but it just doesn’t interest me.”
“Don’t you want to know more about how our world works? Magic is everywhere! It’s encompasses our lives so thoroughly we hardly ever register it, and when we do we take it for granted. There’s more than to simple spells, you know. Magic is literally everywhere.”
“Hey, I’m not a unicorn, so…”
“Don’t go playing that lame excuse.”
“Forgive me then for the two of us not sharing a similar interest. I’m sorry, but I really don’t see a necessity for you giving me a lecture on something I learned in kindergarten.”
“That’s the problem though: everypony goes through school and only learns what is taught. School is just a sampling platter of knowledge, and it’s up to you to expand your own horizons and learn something for yourself.”
“So now you’re my teacher?”
“No… but all I’m saying is that you shouldn’t be so afraid to learn something new!”
“And I’m not! I just don’t see the necessity for it when it doesn’t affect me.”
“Magic doesn’t ‘affect’ you? How can you say that? You use magic every day!”
“Okay, poor choice of words, but—”
“Physically speaking, you should not be able to reach these incredible altitudes, achieve insane speeds, or make sudden hairpin turns without killing yourself, let alone generating sufficient lift to fly or even get off the ground. Pegasi utilize a passive form of magic that allows them to fly and their bodies to take such abuse, and that’s also why pegasus ponies often have such high tolerance levels to stress and pain. Not to mention there’s the whole ability to walk on clouds, manipulate the weather, and so on and so forth.”
“Yes, thank you for confirming what I already know. That sort of stuff is common knowledge.”
“Earth ponies are also exceptionally strong, but where a pegasus is more nimble, by far and away do earth ponies have more physical might.”
“Yes, yes, I know, I know. Earth ponies are physically stronger and more enduring than any other type of pony. They have a magically ingrained connection with the earth, which is why they know how to farm, take care of animals, build, and all that good stuff naturally.”
“They are also extremely resourceful, able to make due on so little and survive hopeless situations like they were nothing. Earth ponies might not think logically on some levels like pegasi and unicorns, but they definitely have common sense and know just when and how to act, even when under pressure. Earth ponies can pull off incredible feats that would leave others speechless, all thanks to the passive magic inside them and their connection to the earth.”
“And it appears as though you’ve somehow entrapped me into this conversation, so let's get this over with. Tell me how unicorns work.”
“You don’t have to be snarky, but sure. Unicorns, when compared to other ponies, are weak. I’m not even going to doubt that. But what we lack in brawn, unicorns sure as hay make up for it with intelligence. I don’t mean to insult, but unicorns typically are the smarter ponies. Unicorns, from the day they are foaled, have the ability to consciously and intently manipulate the world around us to how we see fit. There’s more to it than simply casting spells which, might I add, are ever-expanding as more are being discovered time and time again.”
“Hmm. I’ve always wondered how you do that magic-thingy.”
“Oh, so know you want to learn?”
“Not really, but I’ll concede: there is nothing else to do except to stare out the window and watch Equestria roll by. But the sun has set and I now can’t see anything, and I know I’m not going to get any sleep tonight unless you get this whole thing out of your system. So please, get on with it.”
“You know me too well.”
“Don’t think it’s intentional.”
“Be quiet, you. But anyway, there’s no real easy way to explain how a spell is cast.”
“Oh, great.”
“…As I was saying, it’s a difficult thing to put into words. I guess… I guess the best analogy I can come up with is it’s like playing a guitar. There’re these strings that anypony can just brazenly pluck and make noise, but if you do that you get something discombobulated. If you play the strings delicately and maintain a steady rhythm, everything becomes elegant and fluid. That’s why basic spells like telekinesis are so easy to do since it’s like I’m just playing the same note again and again. But the more notes I add, the harder and more complex the spell becomes, and therefore more concentration is needed.”
“I think I get what you mean. It’s like if you were playing a song: one wrong note screws up the whole piece.”
“Exactly, but that’s only pony magic. There’s still magic theory, natural magic, supernatural magic; and those are just the general topics.”
“Nngh… Look. It’s night. I’m not in the mood for this. We still have four days left until we get to Seaddle. I understand there’s nothing to do, but please, let me get some sleep. You can tell me all about magic in the morning if you really want. But now, I just want to go to bed.”
“Ugh, fine. I suppose I could use some sleep too.”
“Hallelujah. Goodnight, then.”